Microsoft (MSFT) News Today

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares were influenced by a mix of bullish analyst ratings, robust AI and cloud momentum, and free cash flow strength, while geopolitical and internal controversies added headwinds. Today's key factors include:

• Positive Sentiment: Explosive growth drivers in AI, cloud, and gaming promise significant upside potential for MSFT investors. Massive News for Microsoft Stock Investors
• Positive Sentiment: Record free cash flow of $25.6 billion in FY2025 underscores MSFT’s ability to convert revenue into shareholder returns. Free Cash Flow Boom Keeps Microsoft Ahead of the Pack
• Positive Sentiment: Barclays reaffirmed an “overweight” rating with a $625 price target, implying ~23% upside. Benzinga
• Positive Sentiment: UBS reiterated a Buy rating and $650 target, citing confidence in Microsoft’s new quantum-safe program. Microsoft Quantum Safe Program Strategy; UBS Reaffirms Buy Rating
• Positive Sentiment: Microsoft began testing its in-house AI models to compete with OpenAI, signaling deepening AI capabilities. Microsoft Rolls Out In-House AI Models to Take on OpenAI
• Positive Sentiment: Public testing of MAI-1-preview, Microsoft’s first end-to-end in-house foundation model, demonstrates AI leadership. Microsoft Launches Public Testing of First In-House Foundation Model
• Positive Sentiment: JPMorgan reiterated its overweight rating after reporting accelerated growth in Azure cloud services. JPMorgan Reiterates Overweight on Microsoft After Azure Growth
• Positive Sentiment: The NFL expanded its partnership with Microsoft to deploy AI tools to all 32 teams, enhancing Copilot+ adoption. How the NFL Is Leveling Up With AI for Game Day
• Positive Sentiment: CEO Satya Nadella shared five advanced Copilot prompts that manage his schedule and flag risks, showcasing product maturity. Satya Nadella Shares Copilot Prompts Examples
• Neutral Sentiment: Microsoft Teams rolled out 26 new features, though shares slipped amid broader tech market weakness. 26 New Features Hit Microsoft Teams; Stock Slips
• Neutral Sentiment: Microsoft has outperformed the S&P 500 over the past year, highlighting its resilience amid market volatility. Is Microsoft Stock Outperforming the S&P 500?
• Neutral Sentiment: A comparison of Microsoft vs. Meta stocks since 2017 election offers long-term performance perspective but little near-term catalyst. Microsoft vs. Meta: Which Stock Has Performed Better Since Trump Took Office?
• Negative Sentiment: The Pentagon halted a decade-old Microsoft program allowing Chinese coders on U.S. defense cloud systems, potentially affecting future government work. Pentagon Halts Chinese Coders Affecting US Defense Cloud Systems
• Negative Sentiment: Tech staff staged protests over Microsoft’s ties to Israel, resulting in four employees being fired and raising governance concerns. Microsoft Fires Four Workers for On-Site Protests
• Negative Sentiment: Two employees were dismissed after breaking into the president’s office in a protest, highlighting potential internal culture and security risks. Microsoft Fires Two Employees After Breaking Into President’s Office